Banishead Quarry is a rarely publicised beauty spot in the Lake District that is hidden away on the eastern flanks of the Old Man of Coniston. It is a super beautiful location and even has its own waterfall and an 80 foot (24 m) at that. It is a very popular wild swimming spot in the summer months.

The waterfall was apparently born out of mischief when three local boys had a flash of inspiration to play ‘Let's divert the river with rocks’ back in the 1950’s. Their efforts obviously worked!

If you do stop here, be aware of the dangers of wild swimming and jumping from high ledges at an unknown location.

Ian Baines

August 19, 2024

Bannishead Quarry and tarn is a real hidden gem. You don’t see it until you are right next to it and most of the tourists heading up Coniston Old Man don’t come this way so you are likely to have it to yourself.
A beautiful quarry lake made more spectacular by the waterfall.

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Details

Informations

Elevation 300 m

Weather

Today

Monday 8 December

11°C

7°C

41 %

If you start your activity now...

Max wind speed: 22.0 km/h

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Location: Torver, South Lakeland, Cumbria, North West England, England, United Kingdom

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Banishead Quarry Waterfall

1. Summit of the Old Man of Coniston – Old Man of Coniston summit loop from Coniston

2. View of Low Water Tarn – Old Man of Coniston summit loop from Coniston

3. Old Man of Coniston Summit – View of Low Water Tarn loop from Torver

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